Vermont has an outstanding incoming men's basketball class this season.  Jordan Clarke, a forward out of Good Counsel high school in the DC area, is yet another dynamite recruit that Coach Lonergan and staff have been able to land.  Preston was able to catch up with Jordan "It's Da Boss" Clarke for a few questions.  Get to know this new Catamount and look for hm this Fall. 

VTSN:  Tell us a little bit about your career at Good Counsel?
JC:  My career at Good Counsel had its ups and downs. I transferred there half way through my freshman year after attending Prep with Garvey. I was not allowed to play in varsity games because of the transfer rule so I had to sit out the rest of the season. The summer going into my sophomore year I broke my leg, and had surgery. That pretty much destroyed my sophomore year, but I tried to come back half way through at about 50 percent to help the team. My junior year I averaged 16 points and 10 boards and earned all conference and all Met honors. My senior year everything was going great I was averaging about 24 points and 16 rebounds, but halfway through I got Mono and had to sit out for about 12 games.  
 
VTSN:  What was your biggest accomplishment in basketball so far?
JC:  I measure success and accomplishments by championships, and as I have not won any conference championships through my high school career I do not feel that I have accomplished anything.
 
VTSN:  What is your official height, weight and wingspan?
JC:  I went to the Doctor about a week ago and I was measured at 79.5 inches (6’71/2) and 244 lbs. My wingspan I am unsure of.
 
VTSN:  We've heard you are a good scorer and rebounder. What are your other strengths or intangibles that set you apart from other DI players?
JC:  I’m very versatile. I can handle the ball and bring it up the court, I can shoot the three and the midrange jumper, I can take the ball to the cup, and I can also post up smaller players. Also I will do anything to win. You don’t see that a lot these days. I will dive on the floor, take a charge, and just do whatever it takes.
 
VTSN:  The Cats can use some help in the post.  How do you think you'll be able to help in that department?
JC:  As far as scoring in the post that really is not my forte. With that said however, because of my size and strength I can score effectively in the post against smaller players. Against bigger players I may start off in the post, but I will most likely end up facing them up.
 
VTSN:  Where did you receive offers from?
JC:  I received offers from about 45 or so schools--so that is a pretty long list.  

VTSN:  What did you do on your recruiting visit to Vermont?
JC:  I went out to eat, spent some time on the water, met with some academic advisors, and just hung out with the team. It was a really good time.
 
VTSN:  What about Vermont was so special? Anything in particular?
JC:  I think that the greatest thing about Vermont is the people. Everybody was really nice, and really wanted to reach out to make me feel comfortable.  
 
VTSN:  How do you feel about playing with your friend and DC-area rival Garvey Young, here at Vermont?
JC:  I feel really great about it. First of all I want to get it out of the way by saying that we are much more friends than we are rivals. Of course when we play each other over the year we want to go at one another, but after that we are good friends. It’s great to go somewhere where you already know somebody. It makes the transition much easier. Also its great to be playing with other great players.  
 
VTSN:  Do you think you can help get the team to the Big Dance? How?
JC:  I really do think I can help the team. I just have that drive to win that is infectious. Even though I am a freshman I still see myself as a leader, so I’m going to try and push everyone to be the best they can be.  
 
VTSN:  Were you at the America East Tournament in Binghamton?
JC:  I was not at the tournament at Binghamton, but I hope to win the Tournament next season.

VTSN:  Now what is your schedule for this summer?
JC:  I am going to be at Vermont for summer school through July then I am going back home to spend some time with my family and friends, and after that I will come back to Vermont about a week or so before classes start to get back into the flow.  
 
VTSN:  Tell us about your basketball work ethic? How many hours a day do you play/practice?
JC:  I pride myself on my work ethic. I would not have been able to overcome by broken leg and Mono if I didn’t work really hard to get myself back. On a regular day at home I would spend about 30 min on my ball handling and then get up anywhere between 500- 700 shots. I work out with my trainer Brandon Broadnax at Elevation training 2-3 times a week and we do a lot of great work.

VTSN:  Have you decided on a roommate for your freshman year?
JC:  Garvey Young. D.C guys have to stick together… [LAUGHS]
 
VTSN:  What are you currently rocking on the iPod?
JC:  The Lloyd Banks mix tape, The Carter 3 Lil' Wayne, The Cool Lupe Fiasco, and Reasonable Doubt Jay Z.
 
VTSN:  Favorite movie of all time?
JC:  He got game. Anybody that plays ball has to love that movie.

VTSN:  Congratulations and welcome to the team Jordan!  Catamount nation looks forward to cheering you on.